Lord Wind

Very different from anything Darken has ever put out. The instrumentation is a lot more varied than past releases, I especially like the different string instruments used (such as the harp on 'Rain Healing the Wounds'). The production is also good, less harder to tell that a lot of it was made with synths.

Here are some thoughts:- compositionally, this is the most advanced work to date- has beautifully subtle, yet warlike melodies- stronger tension/catharsis contrast, unlike previous albums- some will say it's nothing new, but for me it is "form over substance"- while the drum/arpeggio often pretends speed, narration moves at a more appropiate rate- the fake voices are still annoying when overused

Most interesting so far. Still something wrong with the drums, maybe he should drop them entirely. Get a female vocalist. I think the chick from Dead Can Dance is unemployed these days. I like different moods on it. Less samey than Heralds of Fight and more inspiring than Ride of the Valkyries.

If I were SoundForge I'd make sure he is a registered, purchased user because this one screams "made on a laptop at a coffee shop while discussing fascism with my skinhead buddies."